Helen Maxwell, 79, formerly of Sheffield and Pittsfield, died Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.
Helen was born Feb. 7, 1940, in Pittsfield, the daughter of Julian and Julia (Muron) Koziol. Helen graduated from the St. Joseph’s High School class of 1957 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College in 1961 and a master’s degree in education from North Adams State College. She worked as a teacher in the Pittsfield Public Schools at Stearns and Morningside elementary schools for over 40 years in grades K–4, retiring in 2004. Helen was a member of the Pittsfield Teachers Association; a member of the choir, Rosary Sodality and Mother’s Guild at Holy Family Church; and later attended Sacred Heart Church. Helen enjoyed music, playing the piano, which she played at many school events. She enjoyed going to plays and Tanglewood, and spending summers for over 20 years at Cape Cod with her family. Her husband, grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law were her greatest joys.
Helen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bruce Maxwell, whom she married July 16, 1966, in Holy Family Church in Pittsfield; her daughter, Cathy Devoti and husband Glenn of Sheffield; three grandchildren: Marion Devoti, Michael Devoti and Julia Devoti; one brother: Alexander Koziol and wife Pat of Pittsfield; one sister: Veronica Kelley of Pittsfield; and eight nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by four brothers: Francis, Leopold, Joseph and Julian Koziol; and nephew Daniel.
Funeral services for Helen Maxwell will be held Wednesday, March 27, at 9 a.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St. Great Barrington, MA 01230 with Rev. Peter Naranjo officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Pittsfield. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
